Youths on cross-country mission to combat climate change

Ahmedabad, Jan 29 (IANS) A group of young people are travelling across the country in three solar plug-in electric Reva vehicles, inspired by a passion to highlight India’s local eco-solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.The group of 19 arrived here Wednesday as part of the Climate Solutions Road Tour organised by the Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN). The group began their month-long tour from Chennai Jan 3. They are to reach Delhi Feb 4, after driving through Udaipur, Beawar, Ajmer and Jaipur.

“Our focus is to raise awareness on climate change and convert this awareness into tangible actions and commitments. It is nice to talk about climatic change but what we need is tangible actions,” Pranav Mehta, chief mentor of the IYCN Road Show, told IANS.

“Young people in India are now aware of climate change. It’s now time to create, communicate and celebrate climate solutions,” said another group member Caroline Howe, coordinator of the Climate Solutions Project.

“For us it is a journey of a lifetime across the country to highlight India’s local eco-solutions,” she said, adding that by empowering the youth India can face the global climate change.

“Even if climate change were not happening, these solutions can address India’s environmental sustainability, economic development and energy security. On top of this, India is uniquely placed to take advantage of the immense business opportunities that exist globally in solving climate change,” said Alexis Ringwald, IYCN member and co-founder of Valence Energy.

The groups, during their stay in the city, addressed youths on climate change.

The Climate Solutions Road Tour is the first of its kind addressed to the Indian youth. “The IYCN’s Climate Solutions project aims to document and communicate India’s climate solutions,” said Anna da Costa, editor for the India Climate Solutions project.